As Team Canada prepares to send in its official roster for the Four Nations Faceoff tournament taking place in February, I figured I would take my shot at projecting what this team may look like when rosters become official next month. Proven players like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon have already been named to lead the group up front, while Cale Makar has thus far been the only defenseman named to the team. As Team Canada tries to regain the gold medal in best-on-best international hockey, this mix of talent should excite fans.
Forwards:
Already Rostered Forwards
Sidney Crosby (Already Rostered) | C, PIT
Nathan MacKinnon (Already Rostered) | C, COL
Brad Marchand (Already Rostered) | LW, BOS
Connor McDavid (Already Rostered) | C, EDM
Brayden Point (Already Rostered) | C, TBL
Projected Remaining Forwards
Connor Bedard | C, CHI
Alexis Lafrenière | LW, NYR
Mitch Marner | RW, TOR
Sam Reinhart | C, FLA
Mark Scheifele | C, WPG
Nick Suzuki | C, MTL
Steven Stamkos | C, NSH
Mark Stone | RW, VGK
This elite forward group will be a blend of established veterans and up-and-coming talents for Team Canada. The team has already named some of the top leaders and playmakers in the NHL, with players like Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid already on the roster. Brad Marchand and Mark Stone's experience ensures a toughness, and the addition of young players like Connor Bedard and Alexis Lafrenière bring a fresh energy as Hockey Canada needs to develop players like this for the future.
Defensemen:
Already Rostered Defenseman
Cale Makar | D, COL
Projected Remaining Defensemen
Evan Bouchard | D, EDM
Noah Dobson | D, NYI
Dougie Hamilton | D, NJD
Owen Power | D, BUF
Shea Theodore | D, VGK
Devon Toews | D, COL
With Cale Makar already on the roster, the team could be boosted by strong two-way defensemen like Devon Toews and Dougie Hamilton. In addition to enhancing Canada’s defensive depth, the possible addition of Owen Power would offer him a unique opportunity to grow as a player and gain valuable experience alongside such a remarkable group. This mix of youth and experience ensures a strong, flexible blue line for Canada.
Goaltenders:
Projected Goalies:
Jordan Binnington | G, STL
Samuel Montembeault | G, MTL
Stuart Skinner | G, EDM
Despite having a strong all-around team, the goaltending uncertainty could be what keeps them from winning gold. One of Binnington, Montembeault, or Skinner will need to put up solid and consistent performances for Canada to come out on top.
Full Projected Roster
Forwards
Connor Bedard | C, CHI
Brayden Point (Already Rostered) | C, TBL
Brad Marchand (Already Rostered) | LW, BOS
Sidney Crosby (Already Rostered) | C, PIT
Nathan MacKinnon (Already Rostered) | C, COL
Mitch Marner | RW, TOR
Mark Scheifele | C, WPG
Sam Reinhart | C, FLA
Alex Lafrenière | LW, NYR
Nick Suzuki | C, MTL
Connor McDavid (Already Rostered) | C, EDM
Steven Stamkos | C, NSH
Mark Stone | RW, VGK
Defensemen
Evan Bouchard | D, EDM
Cale Makar (Already Rostered) | D, COL
Dougie Hamilton | D, NJD
Noah Dobson | D, NYI
Owen Power | D, BUF
Devon Toews | D, COL
Shea Theodore | D, VGK
Goalies
Jordan Binnington | G, STL
Samuel Montembeault | G, MTL
Stuart Skinner | G, EDM
Projected Leadership Group
Captain: Sidney Crosby
Alternate Captain: Connor McDavid
Alternate Captain: Nathan MacKinnon
Alternate Captain: Cale Makar
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